And the Master Answered?: Deferrals of Authority in Contemporary Sufism in Iran

Abstract Authority in Islam is often understood to operate as a site of negotiation. Based on textual analysis and ethnographic research, this article examines three case studies disparate Shi'i Sufi Orders where willing deferral certain types authority exists. In the first study, Soltanalishahi Order refer their members an outside mujtahid for all matters relating shariat , therein limiting powers shaykh s qotb . The second study looks at debates concerning nature 's within single order, particularly it pertains power touch transmissibility blessing ( barakat ) from object person, with order's leadership refuting idea charismatic embodied despite some lay members’ beliefs. Finally, third addresses group who refute need any centralized instead recognize read works multiple Iranian orders. By focusing authority, type editing, shaping, I hope show that duties just formative amassing powers.